‘Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy a central pillar of broader agenda’

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2026 – The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said it has implemented the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy. The NWPG said this strategy is not merely a technology programme, it is a central pillar of its broader agenda to build a capable, ethical and developmental state, supported by modern systems, efficient processes, and strengthened accountability.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said it is about fundamentally transforming the way government works both internally and in how it serves citizens, businesses, and institutions across the province. Mokgosi said they welcome leadership from Microsoft South Africa and Boxfusion, who have supported the province in delivering key components of this digital transformation journey.

“We look forward to working closely with you in advancing digital transformation, innovation, enterprise development and inclusive economic participation within the North West.

“During the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in February 2026, we made a clear and deliberate commitment to the people of this province that we would modernise government systems, strengthen administrative capability, and transition towards a digitally enabled provincial administration,” he said.

Mokgosi further indicated that from 1 April 2026, key systems would transition into operation. He added that today, they can confirm that this commitment has been delivered.

“The systems that were announced are now live and operational and we have now entered the next critical phase, the adoption, onboarding and institutionalization phase, which will ensure that these systems are embedded into the daily functioning of government.

“At the centre of this transformation is the SmartGov platform, which now lives across the North West Provincial Government as a centralised digital service led by the Office of the Premier.

SmartGov represents a fundamental shift from fragmented, manual and paper-based processes towards a standardized, integrated and automated administrative environment across all departments,” said Mokgosi.

He said during the month of April, all departments are undergoing a structured onboarding programme, which includes a comprehensive training of officials across CFO environments and operational units as well as alignment and configuration of departmental processes within the platform. Mokgosi said this includes a managed transition from manual workflows to digital processes.

“This phased and structured approach ensures that the transition is controlled, supported and sustainable, without disrupting provision of services.

“As departments complete onboarding, they will progressively transition into full utilisation of the platform, and manual processes will be systematically discontinued,” he said.

Mokgosi said the SmartGov platform will automate key administrative and procurement processes, which among others include, e-submissions, quotation and procurement workflows, internal approval processes, invoice tracking and payment visibility as well as contract management and compliance monitoring. He said the implementation of SmartGov will result in improved efficiency and standardisation across government processes, enhanced transparency in procurement and financial management, reduced delays and faster turnaround times, accountability and auditability of transactions and a more accessible and predictable system for businesses.

“For businesses particularly small, medium and emerging enterprises this represents a significant step towards creating a fair, transparent and equitable environment for participation in government opportunities.

“This is not just a system going live, it is a transition towards a new way of working in government. In parallel to administrative automation, we have also operationalised the Monitoring and Evaluation capability within the Office of the Premier, implemented through the SmartGov platform,” said Mokgosi.

He said this capability will enable the province to progressively integrate reporting across to all twelve provincial departments, six state owned entities and all twelve municipalities. Mokgosi said through this system, the Office of the Premier will increasingly have access to real-time performance data through interactive dashboards, covering strategic programmes and service delivery initiatives across the province.

“This will enable continuous monitoring of strategic projects, strengthened oversight across all spheres within the province, early identification of risks and underperformance data-driven decision-making as well as improved coordination of interventions where required.

“This marks a fundamental shift from traditional reporting to real-time, integrated and proactive governance.

Programme Director, this transformation is built on a fundamental shift in the province’s digital foundation, a decisive move away from outdated legacy systems towards a modern, secure and future-ready digital environment,” he said.

Mokgosi said they have successfully migrated from the legacy GroupWise platform to Microsoft 365, ushering in a new era of a connected, collaborative and mobile digital workplace. He said their public servants are now equipped with tools that enable them to work more efficiently and respond more effectively to the needs of our people.

“In parallel, we have transitioned our infrastructure to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, positioning the province on a scalable, resilient and high-performance digital backbone capable of supporting both current demands and future growth.

“At the same time, we have strengthened our cybersecurity posture through the deployment of advanced endpoint security capabilities, ensuring that government systems, data and digital services are protected against evolving cyber threats,” said Mokgosi.

He said together, these initiatives mark a clear departure from legacy constraints and establish a secure, modern and future-ready digital government environment for the North West. Mokgosi said they are no longer operating on legacy systems, they are now operating on a modern digital foundation built for the future.

“Of critical importance is to emphasize that all these initiatives have been implemented through State Information Technology Agency (SITA) framework agreements, ensuring full compliance with national ICT governance, procurement and regulatory frameworks.

“Beyond systems and infrastructure, this transformation is also about people, skills development and economic opportunity. Through our partnership with Microsoft, the province will unlock structured training programmes for government employees, enterprise development opportunities for local ICT businesses and SMMEs, digital skills development programmes for young people across the province,” he said.

Mokgosi said these initiatives will be delivered through Microsoft’s Corporate Social Investment and partner development programmes and will be provided at no cost to the province. He said this ensures that their digital transformation agenda contributes directly to economic inclusion, innovation and participation in the digital economy.

“As we consolidate these digital capabilities within government, the next phase of this transformation will focus on the expansion of broadband infrastructure across the province that has been concluded and will soon be rolled out.

“This is a critical component of our broader vision to build a Smart Province, where digital services, connectivity and innovation are accessible to all,” said Mokgosi.

He said the province will be implementing a provincial broadband programme, which will provide a unified and integrated connectivity network across different spheres of government and public institutions such as schools, healthcare facilities and Thusong Centres. Mokgosi said through this, they are extending digital transformation beyond government systems and into communities, households and businesses across the province.

“If systems are the engine of digital government, then broadband is the network that connects our people to that engine. What we are announcing today is not simply the rollout of systems. We are announcing the establishment of a North West Digital Government Platform, as a foundational step towards building a Smart Province and a digitally enabled economy,”

“An ecosystem that integrates infrastructure, systems, data, connectivity and security into a single, coherent environment. This platform enables a government that will be efficient in its operations, accountable in its delivery and responsive to the needs of our people,” he said.

Mokgosi said in conclusion, he would like to acknowledge the leadership of the Office of the Premier, particularly the Office of the GITO, as well as our partners Microsoft and Boxfusion, for their contribution to this milestone. He said the North West Provincial Government is not only envisioning a digital future, they are actively building it, they are implementing it and they are delivering it.

“We are building a government that works smarter, that moves faster, and that serves its people better. And in doing so, we are laying the foundation for a Smart Province, a province that is connected, that is inclusive, and ready for the digital economy,” said Mokgosi.

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Microsoft SA delegates/Facebook

Police looking for missing Mboneni Mkhenkcezi

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Picture: Missing Mboneni Mkhenkcezi/Supplied  

By STAFF REPORTER

8 April 2026 – The police in Upington are requesting assistance from the public in locating missing Mboneni Mkhenkcezi (54), who is allegedly mentally challenged. Mkhenkcezi was last seen by relatives in Kwa Sandile in the Eastern Cape during February 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said reportedly, on 28 March 2026, a family friend who was passing through Upington on his way to Gamsberg, saw Mkhenkcezi at the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet in Upington wearing a black blazer with light grey pants and bare feet.

“Mkhenkcezi has short dreadlocks. It has not been ascertained how he travelled to Upington from the Eastern Cape. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mkhenkcezi or his relatives is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Bahedile Nkwadipo from Upington Detectives on 082 495 4615 or report to the nearest police station or call SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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DHS Strategy Transformation Workshop To Strengthen Primary Healthcare Systems

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Picture: The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 April 2026 – The North West Department of Health held a District Health Services (DHS) Strategy Transformation Workshop in Klerksdorp recently. The department said this workshop brought together a diverse coalition of provincial leadership, national policymakers, global health experts, academia and implementation partners under the theme: “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems for Responsive, Resilient Communities.”

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the workshop focused on repositioning the district health system through six strategic pillars. Lekgethwane said the pillars are improving access and equity, strengthening system responsiveness, enhancing governance and accountability, building cohesive and motivated teams, improving integration across PHC–DHS platforms, and aligning efforts through a unified provincial roadmap.

“Deliberations were grounded in addressing persistent systemic challenges, including fragmented digital systems, inconsistent referral pathways, and workforce pressures, while promoting innovation and evidence-based planning. 

“A strong contingent of high-level presenters provided strategic and technical leadership throughout the workshop. Just to mention a few, Dr Krish Vallabhjee (Clinton Health Access Initiative) contributed expertise on health systems strategy and governance,” he said.

Lekgethwane further said Dr Francis Magombo and Shenaaz El-Halabi (World Health Organization), provided global perspectives on health system strengthening and strategic collaboration, while Jeanette Hunter from the National Department of Health, aligned discussions with national PHC reforms and Universal Health Coverage priorities. He added that additional insights were delivered by Dr Prosper Tumusiime (former WHO Director), Prof Ute Feucht (University of Pretoria), Dr Jackie Dunlop (public health specialist), and Maanda Mudau (Health Systems Trust), who collectively emphasised service integration, maternal and child health, programme implementation, and data-driven decision-making.

“Experts such as Prof Keitshepile Geoffrey Setswe from Aurum Institute and Max Moyo, further guided conversations on implementation research, leadership, and organisational culture transformation. 

“The long-term outcomes of this workshop should see significant influence on health service delivery in the North West by strengthening integration across levels of care, improving patient access and continuity, and enhancing governance and accountability mechanisms,” said Lekgethwane.

He said its emphasis on digital transformation and health intelligence will enable more responsive and data-driven systems, while workforce-focused strategies aim to improve staff performance, morale, and distribution. Lekgethwane said ultimately, the workshop positioned the province to deliver more equitable, efficient and people-centred healthcare services, reinforcing a resilient Primary Health Care system capable of meeting both current demands and future health challenges.

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Operation Prosper launched in Mankwe

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Picture: SANDF and SAPS members during Operation Prosper/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West has officially launched Operation Prosper this morning at the SAPS Mankwe Academy, near Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said this joint operation with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is aimed at intensifying the fight against illicit mining across the province.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Matlhapi Mmolawa, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts to restore law and order and protect the communities.

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Female learners vaccinated against HPV-related diseases

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Picture: Nurses vaccinating female learners/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 April 2026 – In the ongoing efforts to protect girls from cervical cancer, the Northern Cape Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Social Development, embarked on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from 2 February to 27 March 2026 across the province. The department said administration of a single dose HPV vaccine targeted all learner girls in Grade 5 in public, special and private schools with the aim of protecting girls at an early age against HPV-related diseases later in life.

The Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson, Lebogang Majaha said in respect to the province, a total of 399 public schools, and 38 private schools were covered targeting 11 900 learners. Majaha said furthermore, the department commits to conducting catch-up vaccination for learners, who may have missed vaccination during the February and March 2026, also targeting private and independent schools from 3 August to 25 September 2026.

“The department emphasises that parental or guardian consent is mandatory. By vaccinating learners at a young age, the programme reduces the risk of cervical and other HPV-related cancers in adulthood, strengthens preventive healthcare and long-term wellbeing and contributes to lowering cancer-related illness and deaths in South Africa.

“Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer later in adulthood, most notably cervical cancer, as well as other cancers affecting both women and men. HPV is preventable through safe and effective vaccination given before exposure to the virus,” he said.

Majaha further said in a recent report released by the national department of health, over 5700 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year in the country. He added that in line with 2030 PILLAR 2 of cervical cancer screening that requires 70% of women screened for cervical cancer, the department has screened 16,142 women in 2025 of which 1,352 were diagnosed with various stages of cancer.

“The Northern Cape Department of Health reassures parents and guardians that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and approved for use in South Africa, and will be administered by trained healthcare professionals,” said Majaha.

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Motlhankela wa sepodisi o latofadiwang ka go utswa leruo o neetswe beile ya R500

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Setshwantsho: Lepodisi le le tshwerweng, McDonald Moshopa Mojaki/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Moranang 2026 – Kgetsi ya bogodu jwa leruo kgatlhanong le motlhankela wa sepodisi, McDonald Moshopa Mojaki (42) kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Hartswater, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Hartswater go fitlha 11 Motsheganong 2026. Mojaki one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa dipudi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gaufi le Taung.

Go begwa Mojaki e le Sarasanta, ebile a direla lephata la matseka teng kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Hartwater, mme ka tsalo, a tswa kwa motseng wa Mokasa, mono Taung. Go begwa fa Mojaki a tshwerwe ke ba babatlisisi ba kwa Kimberley Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) ba go begwang fa e le kgale ba mo tlhomile matlho sebakanyana morago ga go amogela dingongora tse di mo latofatsang ka go nna dinalanyana.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa Kapa Bokone, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, motlhankela o wa sepodisi, o tshwerwe ka Labone. Go begwa fa Mojaki a neetswe beile ya R500.

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa nama-o-sa-tshwere wa sepodisi kwa Kapa Bokone, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, are ke matlhabisa ditlhong go bona bangwe ba batlhankela ba sepodisi ba amega mo bogodung.

“Batlhankela ba sepodisi ba tshwanetse go direla baagi ka boammaruri le botshepegi. Go tlile go bolodiwa dipatlisiso tsa ka mogare kgatlhanong le motlhankela o wa sepodisi,” Mphuthi wa tlhalosa.

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North West police and SANDF launch operation

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Picture: SANDF deployment in North West/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 April 2026 – Following the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), directed that government intensify its fight against organised crime and strengthen cooperation between the security cluster departments and the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to form part of a broader national effort to confront organised criminal networks, deal with crime, stabilise affected communities and restore public confidence in law enforcement, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Matlhapi Deborah Mmolawa, invites members of the media to attend the Launch of Operation Prosper at the SAPS Academy’s Boardroom in Mogwase Unit 5, in Mankwe on Thursday at 8am.

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North West Department of Education ready to resume with 2nd Quarter of schools reopening

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education hereby confirms its preparedness to commence teaching and learning in schools for the second quarter of the 2026 academic calendar after the conclusion of the autumn recess. The department said it commends the school communities for their role in ensuring a secure and efficient school environment maintained throughout the Easter holiday period.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi further commends school principals, teachers, and Grade 12 candidates for their dedication to ensuring the successful execution of school days conducted throughout the province in the first quarter of the 2026 academic year. Motsumi added that, upon the commencement of the second quarter on 8 April 2026, she formally urged all parents and guardians to Register Learners on time in all schools to ensure learners are taught immediately on the first day of the reopening of schools in 2027 academic year.

“The second quarter is a crucial period and our main objective is to begin proactively to enhance learner performance across all Grade levels, as mid-term examinations are approaching. I am further calling all communities to look after their school properties to overcome incidents of vandalism like the burning of school that happened recently at FM Ramaboa Technical School in Itsoseng Township.

“If we work together nothing is impossible for us. All preparations, including the NSNP (National Schools Nutrition Programme), School infrastructure, Scholar Transportation, and LTSM (Learning and Teaching Support Materials), are completed by the North West Department of Education to ensure a smooth school reopening,” she said.

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Housing reparations a ‘moral obligation’ to restore dignity

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 April 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa has described the provision of housing to victims of apartheid-era violence as a “moral obligation” and a crucial step towards restoring dignity and advancing reconciliation. Ramaphosa was speaking at the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Housing Assistance Reparations programme in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday.

“The provision of reparations is not just an act of goodwill. It is a moral obligation and a vital part of restoring people’s dignity. The initiative marks a key milestone in South Africa’s journey towards justice.

“Today, we are marking the implementation of regulations that allow victims of apartheid, identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, to receive housing assistance from the State,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said this reflects their commitment as a country to recognising and healing the divisions of its past and to honouring all those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land. He added that while truth-telling was central to the TRC process, it was not sufficient on its own.

“As a country, we understand that truth alone is not sufficient to repair the harm that was done. We know that reconciliation cannot be enduring without reparations. Ndwedwe was one of the communities deeply affected by political violence in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“People were forced to flee their homes. Homes were burned and property was destroyed. Many innocent lives were lost. Families were rendered homeless and broken up. Many people lost their livelihoods and access to their land. The effects of the violence lasted for many years and some still persist to this day,” said Ramaphosa.  

He noted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had documented hundreds of cases of violence in the area, formally recognising residents as victims of gross human rights violations. Ramaphosa said Ndwedwe stands as a powerful site of memory and survival, representing rural communities whose suffering often received less public attention but was no less devastating.

Ramaphosa said the newly-implemented housing assistance regulations, published in January 2026, flow directly from TRC recommendations and set out how verified beneficiaries will receive support. He said the confirmed beneficiaries are eligible to receive a once-off grant for housing assistance or the construction of a new home.

“220 beneficiaries have been approved in Ndwedwe, with symbolic cheques representing R40 million in cumulative assistance handed over during the launch. The handover of these symbolic cheques today affirms our belief that reconciliation and reparations must be concrete and tangible.

“Linking the programme to broader constitutional commitments, housing remains central to human dignity. Our Constitution places a clear obligation on the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within available resources, to progressively realise everyone’s right of access to adequate housing,” said Ramaphosa.

He said their Constitution places housing as a fundamental pillar of human dignity, safety and security. Ramaphosa said as South Africa marks 30 years of its democratic Constitution, the country must remain committed to addressing historical injustices.

“As we commemorate 30 years of our Constitution this year, we affirm that our future is built on remembering our past and correcting the injustices that were committed.

“United by one Constitution, inspired by one shared destiny, we recommit to completing the work of nation-building that was begun in 1994,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the government would continue working to ensure that victims of apartheid-era injustices receive support and recognition. He said the task of building a truly united, just and equal society continues.

“We will not rest until all our people can live in peace, security and comfort,” said Ramaphosa.

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Fuel price mechanism under review

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Picture: Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy

By STAFF REPORTER

8 April 2026 – The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is reviewing the local fuel price mechanism with the process to be completed in March next year. This according to the department’s Director of Fuel Pricing Mechanism, Robert Maake, who spoke to SAnews.gov.za in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Maake said that the price of fuel is the end result of a multitude of global and domestic forces ranging from the fluctuating price of crude oil and the strength of the Rand to the intricate costs of shipping, storage, and a series of government levies and taxes.

“Our pricing formula is based on two components. One of them is the import part where all the costs associated with importing petroleum products into South Africa is accounted for.

“The second part is the local factor. What changes on a monthly basis is the international component driven mainly by the oil price and the Rand/Dollar exchange rate. What is happening now is the very high oil price due to the war in the Middle East which is driving the [escalating] fuel prices and the weaker Rand,” he said.

Maake further said while the international factors, including the price Brent Crude Oil, demurrage rates and freight costs, are set internationally, the local factors are under consideration. He added that the main one for them in the department is the review of the fuel price mechanism.

“What we are going to be doing now is to review how the industry margins are calculated in South Africa. The wholesale margins, retail margins, secondary storage [and] secondary distribution.

“That process has started. We have already signed a service level agreement with a service provider and we expect that work to be concluded by March 2027,” said Maake.

He said in the immediate term, the government has already announced the temporary reduction of the general fuel levy by R3 to cushion consumers. Maake said in the short term it means that consumers are actually paying R3 less for petrol and diesel at the service stations which is useful for households and motorists.

“It is difficult at the moment to say how the government will intervene [in the long term] and what the next step will be. Turning to the price of paraffin, the influences which paved the way for the fuel source to increase by R11.67 for wholesale and some R15.60 for the Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin.

“Paraffin is not taxed so the relief measure was to reduce the fuel levy and there’s no fuel levy on paraffin. It is already zero rated so the same cannot be applied to paraffin. We need a different mechanism for paraffin,” he said.

Maake said the reason why paraffin has almost doubled in price is because from a refinery production point of view, paraffin and jet fuel, when they come from the refinery, are known as dual purpose kerosene so it depends on the final use at the end of the day. He said the challenge they had was that there was a demand for air travel last month globally, particularly in Europe where they were coming from their winter season to where they wanted to travel.

“Unfortunately, because of the winter, some of the major refineries had closed down due to the very cold winter season where they could not operate. So there was a shortage of jet fuel and as a result, both the price of jet fuel and paraffin shot up.

“Despite these factors, the department is having “sleepless nights” on how to bring relief to consumers of paraffin. We are looking at what other mechanisms we can propose. The first one of zero rating is fine because there are no taxes on paraffin but what is the next one?” said Maake.

He said maybe they can look at the indigent framework where paraffin users register and get direct support from the government?

Maake said also the bulk of paraffin is used in mixing with diesel by some businesspeople.

“So, it’s very important that whatever form of support that the government comes up with is targeted to the beneficiaries. Ahead of the fuel price increase last week, there were reports of fuel shortages at some service stations.

“What we have seen…is something that we have never seen before. Particularly the magnitude of the fuel price increase. So what likely happened is that some of the commercial customers were trying to buy in bulk in anticipation of the high fuel prices,” he said.

Maake said so, they were placing additional orders on top of the orders they had with the suppliers.

“But also, there were complaints that some service stations were running out of fuel and people were thinking that they were hoarding fuel until the new price kicks in. That was a big challenge for us.

“However, we just came from the long weekend and from the reports that we are getting, there were not a lot of reports from provinces that they were running out of fuel,” he said.

Maake reiterated assurances that supply to South Africa remains stable despite reports to the contrary.

“In as far as supply is concerned, we are safe and secure. In the meetings that we are having with the oil companies…they have indicated the number of vessels that they have secured and confirmed that will be coming to the country even up to the end of May.

“And, from time to time, when the vessels come then they will place additional orders. We have daily meetings with the oil companies and people who are responsible for supply in the oil companies. That’s where they give us assurance in terms of the supply that they are bringing to the country,” said Maake.

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